In Loving Memory of Sophia Elizabeth Stille

Sophia Elizabeth Stille was born to parents, Jeff and Brittany Stille on Wednesday, June 12 at 6:38 pm, 9.5 pounds 21.5 inches at 40+1 weeks. Baby sister to Big Brother, Jeffrey (4.5 yo) and Big Sister, Abigail (2.5 yo).

Due to unforeseen complications, Sophia and Mommy were immediately rushed to critical care. Mommy was able to recover.

With devastation, baby Sophia was unable to recover and was called to heaven on June 23.

The loss of a child is something no parent should have to endure. The Stille family is tough, but as you may only imagine, their hearts are shattered and aching.

The goal of this page is to help ease the burden of financial stress over medical bills so that they may focus on healing.

Any support is deeply appreciated.

Questions may be directed to Sarah Landis, a neighbor and friend to the family or Lindsay Kelly, Brittany's Sister.

_________________________________________________

Updated to include Sophia's Birth Story, written by her mother:

Wednesday, June 12, 2024. <3

It was a day past my due date. We made it! The entire family was so excited that preparations were complete and that any day/hour we would be welcoming “Baby S” (her gender was a surprise) to the world!

This was my third pregnancy. I had been blessed with low-risk, healthy pregnancies and this time was no different.

I was looking forward to my second natural delivery, this time with the added support of our doula. Throughout my entire pregnancy, no risks or complications had been detected or addressed that questioned the safety of this decision for me or my daughter.

My 40-Week appointment Monday (39+6) was “smooth sailing” like the others. I left feeling great and laughing that I would return next Monday if I was still pregnant, but hopeful baby would make their arrival soon! Jeffrey (Big Brother, 4.5 yo) was born at 40 weeks and Abigail (Big Sister, 2.5 yo) at 40+4 - no red flags were raised.

Wednesday morning.

Me, Abby, and Jeffrey got dressed and ready for the day. We took the cutest selfie with my big belly! I dropped the kids off at camp/daycare and ran some errands. I got home straightened up and took a nap. I woke up at 3 p.m. and felt contractions starting – Something was happening! Today’s the Day! I immediately called my husband, Jeff. He was home from work by 3:45 p.m. I was timing contractions while making dinner and packing school lunches when my water broke at 5:30 p.m. We were at the hospital by 6 p.m.

Our beautiful angel, Sophia Elizabeth Stille, was born at 6:38 p.m. weighing 9.5 pounds at 21.5 Inches long.

To everyone’s surprise she was blue, limp, with no heartbeat.

A code blue was called. The NICU team flooded the room. Everyone was in shock.

Her heartbeat resumed in minutes. Her breathing shortly after.

Her coloring came back – she was perfect - but there was no first cry,

She was rushed to the NICU and placed on the 72-hour cooling treatment to monitor for any brain damage for her unknown time without oxygen.

Shortly after, I was rushed to the OR. I spent the night in critical care and five days in high-risk recovery.

We had so much hope for our baby girl.

A few days later, we were given the devastating news that while Sophia’s organs were fully functioning (she is a proud organ donor), she had zero brain activity. We completed the procedure and followed up with an MRI for confirmation.

Our family was blessed with 11 of the most memorable days snuggling, celebrating, loving, and honoring our beloved angel baby under the care of the Christiana NICU. She often flinched and moved about, she could grasp our fingers in her own. She was gorgeous, precious, and perfect in every way. She received the sacraments of Baptism and Anointing of the Sick.

Sophia was removed from life support on Friday, June 21 and died the evening of Sunday, June 23 nestled warm in me and Jeff's loving arms in the Precious Moments Room of the NICU.

While I wish a million things were different, I wish most that our beautiful daughter was here with us today and all the days ahead, in our home and in our arms, laughing, crying, growing, and thriving.

While we are heartbroken, we are amazed by the love and support we’ve received from our family, friends, and broader community. Words cannot express our gratitude. We are humbled to accept a Go Fund Me.

THANK YOU for considering a donation. Please know that any amount will gift us a portion of the time we were blessed to spend with and love on our daughter, Sophia - a truly priceless gift.

Sophia Elizabeth will forever be a very real member of our family, living every day in our minds and our hearts.

We are still asking questions and looking for answers.

With Love & Appreciation,

Brittany & Jeff